Scanning Your Computer Using Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2 for Windows XP/Vista
Time to Complete (in minutes):  35

Question:
How do I scan my computer using Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2 for Windows XP/Vista?

Answer:

Notes:
  • Spyware detection and removal programs including Spybot Search & Destroy do not always catch every spyware program when used alone.
  • For better security, use more than one spyware detection program on your computer (for example, use both Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy).
  • For information on downloading and installing Spybot Search & Destroy, refer to Downloading and Installing Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2 for Windows XP/Vista (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2435/).

To scan your computer using Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2 for Windows XP/Vista:

  1. Start Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2:
  2. From the Start menu, select All Programs.
  3. Select Spybot - Search & Destroy.
  4. From the submenu, select Spybot - Search & Destroy.

    Note: If Ad-Aware is installed on your computer, an information window may pop up. If it does, click OK.

  5. Update your spyware definitions.

    Important: New spyware programs are created every day.In order to remove as much malicious software as possible, you must update the spyware definitions frequently. For detailed instructions, refer to Downloading and Installing the Latest Definitions for Spybot Search & Destroy 1.2/1.3 for Windows 2000/XP (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2457/).

  6. In the menu on the left, click the Search & Destroy button.
  7. Click the Check for Problems button.
    1. Wait for Spybot Search & Destroy to fully scan your system.
    2. Depending on the number of files on your computer, this may take several minutes.
  8. From the scan reults menu, clear the check box beside each problem you do not want to fix.
  9. Click the Fix Selected Problems button.
  10. Click the Yes button.
  11. Click OK.

    Note: If a message appears saying that you need to restart your computer to remove some components:

    1. Click the Yes button.
    2. Restart your computer. Spybot will automatically remove the necessary files when the computer restarts.

    Note: To prevent new spyware from being installed, enable the Immunize feature. For detailed instructions, refer to Using the Immunize Feature in Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5 for Windows 2000/XP (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2458/).

For additional information and resources on Spybot, you can visit the official Spybot page (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html).